Ilia Topuria is making it clear he won`t provide any easy path for Islam Makhachev should he choose to return to the UFC lightweight division.
With a chance to secure the now-vacant 155-pound championship against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June, Topuria is eager to add another belt to his collection. Although he originally hoped for a clash with Makhachev, the latter is scheduled to move up to welterweight to face Jack Della Maddalena. However, Makhachev has suggested he might one day return to his former weight class to reclaim the title.
Mirroring the lack of interest Makhachev showed when Topuria moved up from featherweight, “El Matador” is now returning the favor. He insists that the top pound-for-pound fighter will have to work his way back to a title opportunity if he ever decides to drop back down to lightweight.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his upcoming bout, Topuria recalled Makhachev`s earlier comments. “You know from the beginning, he wanted to give the impression that he had some sort of decision [to make],” Topuria said. “He also said about a week ago ‘My move up to welterweight isn’t going to matter because I’m not planning on vacating my title.’ You remember that right? And I had said before that, I didn’t move up to lightweight to ask anyone for anything and that I was the one in charge.”
Topuria continued, questioning who ultimately dictated the situation: “So who got their way, who did what they said? As always, him or me? So after this fight when I have the belt, he can get in line, which is a long one and someone’s eyes will be shining.”
While Makhachev did initially state his intention not to vacate the lightweight title upon moving up, events unfolded differently.
Similar to Topuria relinquishing his featherweight belt when he moved divisions, Makhachev eventually had to vacate his lightweight championship to pursue a second title in the welterweight division.
Neither fighter currently holds the distinction of being a “champ-champ.” Topuria, having faced difficult weight cuts at 145 pounds, has indicated his future is firmly set at lightweight.
Makhachev might have different plans regarding a potential return to lightweight. However, Topuria seems prepared to reverse their previous dynamic, demanding that the former champion earn his shot again rather than receiving preferential treatment.
The verbal exchanges between Topuria and Makhachev have intensified recently. Despite this, they are not scheduled to face each other next, and whether this anticipated showdown will ever happen remains uncertain.
